THE Malaysian Medical Association called for the enactment of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which will officially come into effect on Oct 1, to be consistent and widespread.
The Act, said MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, is a crucial step towards reducing the health risks associated with smoking and vaping in the country.
“We are especially concerned about the wide sale of vaping products throughout the country through numerous channels including vending machines, which have been allowed to go unchecked,” Dr Kalwinder said in a statement on Monday (Sept 30).
“Many of these vaping products sold in the market contain nicotine, leading to early addiction among minors.”
Citing the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, Dr Kalwinder revealed that e-cigarette and vape use among Malaysian teens aged 13-17 rose from 9.8% in 2017 to 14.9% in 2022. Teen vaping prevalence among males is at 23.3% and 6.2% among females.
“Enforcement of the Act by the relevant authorities on a continuous basis will be crucial to meet the intended aims of the Act,” he stressed.
“We also hope that the Ministry will also share on how it plans to monitor and control the import and sale of vape products as certain vape liquids may contain other harmful ingredients, apart from nicotine.
“There must be clear guidelines on what is permissible for sale and consumption.”
Dr Kalwinder noted that public health education is also crucial, especially in raising awareness among youth about the dangers of smoking and vaping.
“We urge the government to implement comprehensive public health campaigns alongside this legislation to ensure long-term success in safeguarding the health of all Malaysians,” he added.
Last Tuesday (Sept 24) the Health Ministry via a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) said Act 852 covers regulations related to the registration, sale, packaging, and labelling of smoking products, along with restrictions on smoking in public places.
The new legislation will also include rules on electronic cigarettes.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had earlier stated that the ministry was awaiting approval from the Attorney-General’s Chambers on the regulations and orders under Act 852.
Although the Act was gazetted on Feb 2, it has not been enforced until now.
The law seeks to prohibit the sale and purchase of tobacco products, smoking materials, and tobacco substitutes to minors, as well as the provision of any smoking-related services to those under the age of 18. – Sept 30, 2024
Main image: The Malaysian Reserve
